The Extraordinary Ordinary Life of Mark Rodriguez

The story of Mark's death deeply impacted our family and we know that the Rodriguez family will never stop experiencing the ripple effects of grief as their beloved son, brother, friend was taken from them far too soon. AND YET, this profound and redemptive book is our reminder that in the end, GOD is the victor and Mark is safe in the truest sense of the word as he worships in heaven with his Savior. Mark's deepest thoughts, as reflected in his journal entries, show us a tenderness and a simplicity in his faith. Mark reminds us that we serve an approachable God who hears the cries of his children. Through Mark's writings, we see him wrestle with sin, worship Christ and above all else, cry out for more and more of Jesus each day. It is clear that the Lord was speaking to Mark's heart in the final weeks of his life and drawing him home to live with Him forever. If you need to know that Jesus is your friend and you are desperate for His presence, this book will nourish your soul and spur you on in your walk with Christ. At the close of the final chapter, may you say with certainty, "God is Super Good!"

About one year ago, Mark Rodriguez's life was ended through a senseless act of random violence by a stranger. As his parents and family grieved on the day he died, they found and began to read through his personal journals. They soon discovered a hidden aspect of their son's life through his journal entries covering his last 5 years. And what a life, what a relationship he had sought and developed with his Savior and God over these five years. In a word, glorious!This book (over 300 pages) records all of Mark's journal entries over these years and is is co-authored by Mark's mother, Leigh Ellen. I like the fact that she has let Mark's words speak for themselves, with very little narrative or personal interpretation on her part. She relates one or two stories that indicate the kind of relationship she and her husband, Carlos, had with Mark but mainly for the purpose of wrapping the story of his life and bringing context.I highly recommend this book; you will not be disappointed. Instead, you will be encouraged and edified–and want to have this same kind relationship with the One who loves us.

Wow!! What an incredible look at this young man's relationship with God! He had a spiritual insight, wisdom, heart and hunger for God that we all can experience, but few pursue. Reading Mark's journals has made me hunger for a deeper passion for the Lord, and have this that same type of intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father. I will be using this book as a devotional, and go back through and highlight those things that speak to my heart. I believe that each of us can have an extraordinary ordinary life (extraordinary relationship with God), just as Mark did. I highly recommend this book and pray that each person that reads it will be changed.

I never thought that the posthumously published words of a teenaged neighbor of mine--a sweet kid who mowed my lawn every weekend but about whom I knew virtually nothing else--would change my life the way they have. Mark's passion for pursuing a relationship with God, even from such an early age, will restore your faith in our younger brothers and sisters in Christ if that faith is flagging, and will change the way you seek the Lord on a daily basis. I truly grieve for his loved ones, but I'm so amazed at how God can use such a tragedy to touch other lives in a profoundly beautiful way.

Loved reading this book. I didn't even know Mark but his relationship with God has been a big inspiration to me. I know some people that knew him and went to the same high school as him. Someone who went to his high school told me since his passing there has been a huge change at the school. Kids have really been seeking to know God intimintely and not just knowing things about God. Would definitely recommend this book. I love how honest his prayers were to God and sure he was that the Lord heard him.

I am so amazed at Mark's faith and trust in God-especially as young as he was! I don't know if I will ever have that kind of faith and trust, but Mark's life has led me to try. His journal entries are inspiring to me and I often go back to certain passages and reread them when my faith needs shoring up. Thank you to the Rodriguez Family for sharing about Mark's journey!

Great book...very detailed, very heartfelt, very inspiring...really makes you want to meet this guy in person. I can even forgive him for being a fan of Harry Potter... ;PIf you want to grow in your relationship with God or see what it is like for someone else to have a relationship with Him, read this book.

Such a moving story. This young man was killed just around the corner from where I live here in Norfolk, VA along with a beloved police officer of teh city. It's moving to read Mark's journal and his thoughts as a maturing Christian.